A part of Mysuru parliamentary constituency, as many as 4.66 lakh people in Kodagu are eligible to cast their ballot. Out of 4,66,154 voters, 2,37,660 are women, 2,28,478 are men, and 16 are others.
Deputy Commissioner Venkataraja on Monday said the election notification will be issued on March 28 and from the same day onwards nomination papers for the elections to Mysuru-Kodagu Lok Sabha can be filed. April 4 is the last date for filing the nomination papers.
Kodagu comprises of two assembly constituencies – Virajpet and Madikeri.
Madikeri has 2,36,562 voters, including 1,15,159 male, 1,21,394 female voters and nine others. In Virajpet, there are 2,29,592 voters, including 1,13,319 male, 1,16,266 female and seven others.
Kodagu has 9,076 voters who are in the age group of 18 and 19 years. Also, there are over 4,000 voters who are physically challenged. Kodagu has 546 polling booths. The district has 44 sectors officers, 21 flying squads, and 42 static surveillance teams.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Elections> Lok Sabha / by The Hindu Bureau / March 25th, 2024
The Mathigodu Elephant Camp, situated a short distance away from the Anechowkur Gate at the entry of Kodagu district from Mysuru, has transformed into a tourist attraction and is set to welcome visitors soon. Among its notable residents are the Dasara Howdah Elephant and the fearless tusker, Abhimanyu.
Passersby along the Mysuru-Gonikoppal Road often halt their vehicles to have a glimpse these majestic creatures, albeit from a distance, as access to the camp was previously restricted for safety reasons and to maintain its exclusivity.
Capitalising on its popularity, the Forest Department has revamped the Mathigodu Elephant Camp into a tourist hub while prioritising safety measures. This camp falls within the precincts of the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, adding to its allure. The Forest Department has spent Rs. 1 crore towards its development.
In an endeavour to raise awareness about human-wildlife conflicts, concerted efforts are underway to educate tourists visiting the Mathigodu Elephant Camp about wildlife conservation. This initiative seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between human settlements and wildlife habitats, with the hope of mitigating such conflicts in the future.
Despite being recognised as an ideal habitat for the State’s finest elephants by the Forest Department, the Mathigodu Elephant Camp hadn’t been optimised as a tourist destination. Meanwhile, the Dubare Elephant Camp near Kushalnagar experienced a steady influx of visitors.
Picture shows the visitor pathway inside the camp.
Located inside a jungle
As the camp is located inside a jungle, there is no provision to open shops and hotels here to convert it into a full-fledged commercial centre. However, basic amenities have been meticulously arranged to ensure the comfort and convenience of visitors, including designated parking areas, feeding zones for the elephants and recreational facilities.
To ensure the safety of both visitors and elephants, a railway track barrier gate has been erected, effectively preventing proximity interactions. Additionally, the establishment of two designated parking lots offers travellers ample space to unwind. A dedicated walking path has been constructed, facilitating easy access from the parking areas to the elephant viewing zone.
This setup not only caters to the demand for elephant viewing but also serves as an educational platform for visitors. The place offers comprehensive insights into elephant behaviour, the significance of elephant camps, monitoring protocols, profiles of the famed Dasara elephants, methods of elephant capture, the role of Kumki elephants, feeding practices, distinctions between Asian and African elephant species and other pertinent information concerning the rehabilitation of elephants.
An information centre has been inaugurated, serving as a repository of knowledge on elephants and forest conservation. Equipped with valuable resources, it aims to provide visitors with an immersive learning experience, fostering greater awareness and appreciation for wildlife conservation efforts.
Development works worth Rs. 1 crore have been taken up including a safe elephant feeding area and an information centre.
Home for 17 elephants
Currently, the Mathigodu Elephant Camp is home to a distinguished herd of 17 elephants. Among them are Abhimanyu, Bhima, Mahendra, Ravi, Somashekhar, Masti, Ashoka, Kyaata, Chamundeshwari, Bhuvaneshwari, Srikanta, Abhi (Zoo elephant), Rama, Ekalavya and two forest elephants.
Under the leadership of Range Forest Officer (RFO) D. Devaraj, the well-being and welfare of these magnificent creatures are diligently overseen by a team of DRFOs, dedicated staff members and experienced mahouts and kavadis.
Picture shows Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna feeding watermelon to a tusker during inauguration of the elephant camp recently.
Equipment for surveillance
Visitors have a unique opportunity to witness first-hand the equipment utilised by the Forest Department for managing human-elephant conflicts and operations. Within a designated room, an array of tools is on display, ranging from tranquilliser darts and guns for administering them, to ropes essential for elephant operations.
Additionally, visitors can inspect sophisticated surveillance devices such as camera traps, thermal drones, torches and wireless communication devices utilised in conflict management operations.
This immersive experience will enable visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the intricate procedures and tools employed by the Forest Department. By witnessing these resources up close, visitors can refine their perceptions regarding human-elephant conflict management, appreciating the complexities involved and the efforts undertaken to mitigate such conflicts.
Golden Howdah carriers
The Information Centre showcases a comprehensive list of distinguished elephants that have had the honour of carrying the 750-kg Golden Howdah during the Dasara festival. Among these pachyderms, Jayamarthanda stands out, having shouldered the Golden Howdah an impressive 45 times.
Other notable elephants who have carried the Howdah are Vijayabahaddur, Nanjunda, Ramaprasad, Motilal Rao, Airavata, Rajendra, Drona (19 times), Balarama (11 times), Arjuna (8+1 times), Abhimanyu (4 times), each adding their majestic presence to the grand procession.
Entry fee will be charged
The Mathigodu Elephant Camp has been enhanced to accommodate visitors, with all necessary arrangements for their convenience. Following a formal request to the Government regarding the implementation of an entry fee for tourists visiting the elephant camp, the Government has approved the proposal and granted permission. We have taken the necessary steps to prepare accordingly.—Harshakumar Chikkanaragund,Director (DCF), Nagarahole Tiger Reserve
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Feature Articles> Top Stories / by M T Yogesh Kumar / March 19th, 2024
The Kodava community organises the inter-family hockey tournament every year where Kodava players from over 300 families come together to play.
The Kodava Hockey Namme (festival) will be held from March 30 to April 28 in Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
For the Kodava community of the small, hilly district of Kodagu in Karnataka, now scattered across the globe, it’s time to return to their roots for an event that’s deeply ingrained in their cultural fabric — the Kodava Hockey Namme (festival). This annual extravaganza brings together families from far and wide to celebrate their love for hockey and their shared heritage.
Organised in the small town of Napoklu, 21 km away from the district headquarters of Madikeri, this festival is no ordinary affair. Recognised as one of the largest field hockey tournaments globally, it has earned a place in the Limca Book of Records.
This year, the excitement is soaring as the Kundyolanda family takes the reins, transforming it into the ‘Kundyolanda Hockey Carnival’. The year’s event will be held from March 30 to April 28.
Fostering community spirit
The Kodava community organises the inter-family hockey tournament every year where players from over 300 local families come together to play. The sporting event has no bar on age or gender. The only rule of forming a team is that all members must be from the same family.
Dinesh Cariappa, convenor of the Kundyolanda Hockey Carnival (KHC), said, “This year, we aim to set a new milestone by hosting the largest field hockey tournament yet. It’s not just about the sport. It’s about fostering community spirit and giving back to our people.”
The organisers have introduced a range of initiatives this year, encompassing career guidance sessions, motivational speeches by experts across different domains, all geared towards empowering the youth. Additionally, free health check-ups, discussions on wealth management, and talks covering diverse topics such as defense, aviation, and agriculture have been arranged for attendees.
Ramesh Muddaiah, president of Kundyolanda Hockey Carnival, said, “We are hopeful that the Karnataka Government will extend its support to the hockey festival, just as it has done for previous editions of the event. Government backing would bolster our efforts to make this carnival a grand success.”
Food festival to cultural extravaganza
With 360 families slated to participate, the enthusiasm is palpable. The carnival promises much more than just hockey matches. A food festival showcasing Kodava delicacies and also other cuisine, matrimonial initiatives, and cultural events celebrating the rich heritage of the community are all part of the extravaganza.
“There are plans for educational sessions on traditional Kodava folk songs, popularly known as Baloo Paat, ensuring the preservation of cultural traditions. Apart from these, two marathons — 5 km and 10 km — are scheduled, selfie points dotted across the venue to capture memorable moments, creating lasting memories for attendees,” Mr. Cariappa said.
The carnival kicks off with much fanfare on March 30 with an inaugural match between the Indian Navy team and the Coorg 11 team. It sets the stage for a month-long celebration of sport, culture, and camaraderie.
Kodava Hockey Festival has come a long way
The late Pandanda Kuttappa started the concept of the Kodava family hockey tournament, which later evolved into a significant sporting event and festival. “Mr. Kuttappa initiated the Kodava Family Hockey Tournament in 1997, organised by the Pandanda family initially, with the belief that harnessing the inherent affection Kodavas have for hockey could foster unity among families and the community,” Mr. Cariappa explained.
From the last one decade, the tournament has emerged as a platform for the community members to discuss trade and business interests, besides scouting for marital alliances, according to Mr. Muddaiah. “In the first tournament, which was organised in 1997, nearly 60 teams took part. The format of the tournament was such that every year, one of the Kodava families had to host the event. Now, over 300 families participate involving 3,000 hockey players,” he added.
Preparation for the 2024 edition is underway at the Napoklu General Thimayya Ground, one of the town’s three mud grounds. Temporary bleachers surround the ground to accommodate approximately 30,000 spectators. Various amenities, including galleries, lighting, speakers, and display boards, have been installed.
source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by Darshab Devaiah B / March 22nd, 2024
The Principal District and Sessions Court has sentenced an accused to 10 years rigorous imprisonment after he was found guilty of assaulting a Forest Guard with a knife and injuring him (Forest Guard) seriously.
The accused, who was convicted, is Thimmaiah, a resident of Gaalibeedu Kaanekandi in Kodagu.
On May 11, 2022, when Forest Guard Appanna Rai was proceeding on Kalur Road, Thimmaiah, stopped Appanna and abused him for showing Galibeedu Gram Panchayat officials the land next to Thimmaiah’s house for waste segregation and allegedly assaulted Appanna with a knife severing Appanna’s left hand fingers.
A case was registered at Madikeri Rural Police Station and Station House Officer Vanishree, who conducted investigation, had submitted a charge-sheet to the Court.
Judge H.C. Shyam Prasad, who took up the case, heard the arguments from both sides and found Thimmaiah guilty and sentenced him to 10 years rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs. 15,500.
Public Prosecutor (PP) K.J. Ashwini argued on behalf of the Government.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / March 05th, 2024
The Kodava Samaja Youth Wing Mysuru (KSYWM) has organised KSYWM Inaugural Cup 2024 Hockey Tournament on Mar. 3 (Sunday) at Chamundi Vihar Stadium in city.
Featuring eight men’s hockey teams from Mysuru, Kodagu and Bengaluru, the tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of hockey talent.
Also, an exciting women’s exhibition match is lined up to highlight their remarkable skills.
Dedicated to fostering the love for hockey within the Kodava community, this tournament serves as a unifying event and igniting a passion for the sport among the younger generation, says a press release from KSYWM.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> In Briefs / February 29th, 2024
Coorg Institute of Technology (CIT) boys hockey team emerged winners of the State-level Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) Hockey Tournament by defeating RVCE, Bengaluru, by a solitary goal in the final.
The two-day tournament was played on Feb. 23 and 24 at the CIT College Grounds in Ponnampet, Kodagu.
The winning goal came off the stick of forward Satwik, who scored a field goal in the second half of the match.
As many as 11 teams from different parts of the State participated in the tournament.
Pattada A. Poovanna, Director of the Kodava Education Society (KES) that manages CIT, was the chief guest. Also present were KES Hon. Secretary Rakesh Poovaiah, CIT Principal Dr. M. Basavaraj, CIT Campus Administrator Kottiyanda Jeevan Chinnappa and CIT Physical Education Director Harish Kumar.
source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Sports / March 02nd, 2024
The anime universe is about to get a touch of Indian cinema flair as Rashmika Mandanna gears up to make her mark at the prestigious Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2024. Scheduled to take place on March 2 in Tokyo, Japan, the event will see Rashmika as a presenter.
In a historic feat, the Animal actress will be the first Indian to represent India at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards. Rashmika will join an illustrious lineup of presenters at the event, including American pop sensation Megan Thee Stallion, Dallas Cowboys star DeMarcus Lawrence, and wrestling phenomenon Mercedes Varnado, known as Sasha Banks.
Meanwhile, Rashmika was spotted at the airport as she jetted off to Tokyo to attend the coveted awards ceremony. Dressed in a green-coloured top which she paired with black pants, Rashmika acknowledged the paparazzi as she rushed to catch her flight.
The news of Rashmika’s representation at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards has sent waves of excitement through her fanbase and the anime community alike. Rashmika has often expressed her love for anime, citing Naruto Shippuden as her personal favourite.
The Crunchyroll Anime Awards is an annual extravaganza that celebrates the best of the anime world, from series to films and voice actors. It serves as a platform to honour the creativity and artistry behind this beloved genre, attracting fans and industry professionals from across the globe.
The Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2024 will be held on Saturday, March 2.
On the work front, Rashmika has been shooting for Dhanush’s DNS (D51) in Hyderabad. She also has Pushpa 2 in her kitty.
source: http://www.timesnownews.com / Times Now / Home> Entertainment News> Web Series / by Times Entertainment Desk / February 29th, 2024
Kodagu district’s Minister, N.S. Boseraju, inaugurates a new hockey stadium and pledges support for a sports hostel in Somwarpet, acknowledging the region’s rich sporting tradition.
The Minister in-charge of Kodagu district, N.S. Boseraju, recently inaugurated a new hockey stadium at Chowdlu village near Somwarpet. In a move that acknowledges the district’s rich sporting legacy, especially in hockey, the Minister pledged to pursue the sanctioning of a sports hostel for Somwarpet. He also expressed intentions to discuss with the Sports Minister about the allocation of additional funds for constructing a compound wall for the stadium, further strengthening the infrastructure.
Stadium Construction and Future Plans
The establishment of the new hockey stadium is a testament to the efforts of former MLA Appachu Ranjan and current Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda, who secured ₹40 lakh to finalize the stadium works. The Minister emphasized the stadium’s capacity to host national-level hockey matches, an achievement that amplifies the district’s reputation in the sports arena.
Fulfillment of a Local Dream
The inauguration of the hockey stadium marks the realization of a long-standing aspiration of the local population. MLA Mantar Gowda highlighted the importance of proper maintenance and safety measures to ensure that the stadium continues to be a source of pride for the community and a hotspot for nurturing talent.
Proposed Naming and Honoring Achievements
In a nod to the contributions of local families, there is a proposal to name the stadium after C.K. Kalappa, whose family generously donated the land for its construction. The event also honored the accomplishments of B.M. Suresh and renowned hockey player Subbaiah. Echoing Minister Boseraju’s sentiments, hockey coach Shashidar called for the establishment of a sports hostel in Somwarpet, further underlining the region’s commitment to fostering sporting excellence.
source: http://www.bnnbreaking.com / BNN/ Home> Sports> India / by Salman Khan / January 03rd, 2024
Discover the new leadership team elected at the Annual General Body Meeting of Kodagu Gowda Samaja in Mysuru, signaling a promising future for the community.
Unity and Progress: Kodagu Gowda Samaja Elects New Leadership in Mysuru
In the heart of Mysuru, a significant gathering took place that not only celebrated the rich heritage of the Kodagu Gowda community but also marked the beginning of a new chapter. The Kodagu Gowda Samaja, nestled in Railway Layout, Vijayanagar 2nd Stage, recently convened its Annual General Body Meeting, a beacon of unity and progress for its members. The meeting was more than a mere assembly; it was a testament to the community’s resilience and commitment to collective prosperity.
A New Dawn of Leadership
The highlight of the event was the unanimous election of a new set of office-bearers, poised to steer the Samaja through 2023-24 and 2024-25. Kombarana Basappa emerged as the President, a figure of considerable esteem within the community. Alongside him, Kudupaje Dr. Chandrashekar was elected Vice-President, with Ponnetti Nanda taking on the role of Honorary Secretary. The team was rounded off with Nadumane S. Chengappa as Joint Secretary and Naduvatteera G. Lakshmana as Treasurer. Directors such as Pattada Shivakumar and Hosur G. Raghava, among others, were also elected, each bringing their unique skills and vision to the table.
Community at the Core
The meeting, presided over by the outgoing Samaja President Thotambylu Manohar, was not just about elections. It served as a platform for reflection, celebration, and planning. The leadership transition signifies more than a change of guards; it embodies the community’s aspiration for growth and unity. The elected members, each with their distinct background and expertise, underscore the community’s diverse yet cohesive nature.
Looking Ahead with Optimism
As the Kodagu Gowda Samaja embarks on this new journey under its freshly elected leadership, there’s a palpable sense of optimism among its members. The community, with its deep-rooted traditions and forward-looking outlook, stands on the cusp of a transformative era. The leadership’s vision for the future, coupled with the collective will of its members, promises to usher in a period of unparalleled growth and unity.
In essence, the recent Annual General Body Meeting of the Kodagu Gowda Samaja in Mysuru was more than a procedural event; it was a celebration of heritage, a reaffirmation of unity, and a step towards a promising future. With a new leadership team at the helm, the community looks set to navigate the challenges of the modern world while staying true to its rich cultural legacy.
source: http://www.bnnbreaking.com / BNN / Home> India> Local News / by Rafia Tasleem / February 26th, 2024
“Chinnappa is a shining example of how a tough forest official fought for tiger conservation against immense odds, inspiring others in the processs,” said Praveen Bhargav, Trustee, Wildlife First.
While locals and supporters called Kotrangada Medappa (KM) Chinnappa a hero and phantom of the jungles; poachers called him “The Devil” who stalked their hunting grounds.
Bengaluru :
Noted wildlife conservationists and retired forest department official, Kotrangada Medappa Chinnappa (KM Chinnappa), breathed his last on Monday morning.
“Chinnappa (84) had been sinking. He had health and age-related ailments for a long time. He suffered a heart attack on Monday morning at his house in Kumatoor Village, Srimangala, Kodagu District. He will be laid to rest on Tuesday,” said his family members.
The news left a vacuum in the hearts and minds of many conservationists and forest officials who worked with him. Many conservationists and politicians, including leader of the Opposition, R Ashoka took to social media-X to express condolences. Ashoka in his X-post termed Chinnappa as a walking forest encyclopedia.
“President of Wildlife First since 1995, Chinnappa was one of India’s most respected and well-known crusader for wildlife protection. Chinnappa is a shining example of how a tough forest official fought for tiger conservation against immense odds, inspiring others in the process. With his extraordinary field craft, toughness and bravery, he led from the front. As a result of his actions, wildlife populations had dramatically recovered by mid-1980s with densities higher than anywhere in Asia,” said Praveen Bhargav, Trustee, Wildlife First.
Born in 1941, in Kumtur village near Nagarhole to a soldier father, who fought during the First World War, Chinnappa wanted to become a mustachioed soldier. He did become one but with a difference – he transformed into a gun-toting, frontline forest warrior.
Chinnappa joined the forest service in 1967 as a Range Forest Officer. During his career, he faced numerous challenges. He became a one-man army to revive the Nagarhole forest which was under threat from poaching, rice cultivation, encroachment, and timber lobbying.
While implementing a slew of measures initiated by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, Chinnappa paid a hefty personal price. He was arrested, jailed and transferred. His home was burnt down. In an interaction he said: “What’s the use of just going to office. I led a colourful life.”
While locals and supporters called him a hero and phantom of the jungles; poachers called him “The Devil” who stalked their hunting grounds.
In 1988, one of Chinnappa’s guards shot a local coffee planter who had killed and eaten a Sambar deer. Chinnappa was accused of being the mastermind of the murder. He was arrested and jailed for 12 days. He was later cleared of charges and reinstated. In 1992, he was again implicated in the killing of a poacher. A frenzied mob ransacked the forest department’s buildings, assaulted staffers and burnt vehicles along with large swathes of forest land and Chinnappa’s ancestral home. Even though he was cleared of charges, Chinnappa decided to quit service.
However, even after retirement, his services were regularly sought by forest department officials to train young guards and young conservationists. Since retirement, Chinnappa trained over 2,500 forest staffers in anti-poaching operations and fire protection. Chinnappa reached out to over 1,50,000 school children, teachers, rural youth and villagers through nature camps, slide shows, talks, rallies and interactions.
In one such training, during patrolling, a young recruit asked him, what one should do when one encounters an elephant. Chinnappa simply said: “You need not do anything, what ever needs to be done, the elephant will do.”
Chinnappa was awarded with Karnataka Chief Minister’s Gold medal in 1985, the Wildlife Conservation Society certificate of Appreciation in 1988, and the Tiger Link Bagh Sevak Award in 1996.
He also received the ESSO and Sanctuary Life time Achievement awards in 2000 and 2006, respectively. He donated his entire prize money of Rs 7.5 lakhs from all these awards and recognitions to the cause of wildlife conservation.
Chinnappa’s long-time associate and friend K Ullas Karanth, who met him in 1969 for the first time said: “I’m deeply saddened to hear about the demise of my friend. He was the foremost wildlife ranger in all of India in terms of accomplishments. An inspirational figure, he was known for his bravery and courage of his convictions. He also had an incredible knowledge of wildlife.”
source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Bosky Khanna / February 27th, 2024
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